World Cup 2026: Mateta and Pino advance into final four

First-team

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Crystal Palace have a record number of players involved at the 2026 FIFA World Cup – and you can keep track of how they are getting on throughout the tournament here…

The best numbers from Palace's World Cup contingent
The best stats from the first two rounds of games

It’s finally here. The 2026 FIFA World Cup got underway on Thursday 11th June, when co-hosts Mexico defeated South Africa in the opening game – the first of a record 104 matches at this World Cup, due to the expansion of the tournament from 32 to 48 teams.

With 13 of our players involved – and every single one reaching the knockout stages – there have been records broken galore for club and country, with numerous Palace players excelling on the world stage.

As we move forwards into the Round of 32, here's your full guide to the 2026 FIFA World Cup – through South London eyes...

How are our players getting on in the knockout rounds?

Quarter-finals

2018 winners France continued their charge towards the World Cup Final with a 2-0 over Morocco in the first quarter-final in Boston on Thursday evening.

Jean Philippe Mateta made his third appearance at the tournament, coming off the bench in the 77th minute.

By that point the man he replaced, superstar Kylian Mbappé, had already taken the game away from Morocco. Mbappé produced a stunning curling finish on the hour mark to open the scoring, before then teeing up Ousmane Dembele to get France’s second. He had already missed a first-half penalty.

It meant the end for Chadi Riad and his Morocco teammates at this World Cup. Riad didn’t feature for the African champions on this occasion, watching on from the bench for the 90 minutes.

Mateta impressed in his cameo and came close to getting his first World Cup goal in injury-time, producing a nice feint to work a shot on target, only for Yassine Bounou to save the shot with his boot.

In the end it didn’t matter with France already having done the work required. Maxence Lacroix was also an unused substitute on this occasion.

Mateta and Lacroix will now prepare for a semi-final meeting with either Belgium or Spain in Dallas.

On Friday evening, Yéremy Pino's Spain booked their place in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals after a late goal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium.

Pino was once again named on the substitutes bench and remained there throughout the contest as Spain edged a closely-fought quarter-final.

Fabián Ruiz fired La Roja ahead on the half-hour mark, before Charles De Ketelaere restored parity for Belgium with a superb header four minutes before the break.

With extra-time looming, Mikel Merino proved Spain's hero once again, coming off the bench to fire home an 88th-minute winner and set up a World Cup semi-final showdown with Palace teammates Mateta and Lacroix's France.

Round of 16 Review

Colombia's memorable World Cup run came to an end on Tuesday as Daniel Muñoz and Jefferson Lerma suffered penalty-shootout heartbreak against Switzerland.

Los Cafeteros were the better side for the vast majority of a the tie in Vancouver, but couldn't find the breakthrough.

Both Palace players were involved in the Colombians creating chances, with the best opportunity falling to teammate Jhon Lucumi who saw his header hit the bar.

Lerma was substituted towards the end of the 90 minutes, with the tie then moving into extra-time. Meanwhile Muñoz stayed out on the pitch, as Colombia nearly won it when substitute Jaminton Campaz went close.

But in the end it remained goalless, meaning penalties would settle the contest. Switzerland scored four of their five kicks from the spot to ensure that they progress to the last eight for the first time since 1954.

The USMNT's journey as co-hosts came to an end in disappointing fashion as they were undone by a Belgium blitz in Seattle.

Chris Richards started his fourth game at the Finals, but was unable to prevent the European side easing to an eventual 4-1 win.

Charles de Ketelaere scored twice in the first-half, although Richards and his teammates were celebrating in the 31st minute when Malik Tillman's free-kick took a wicked deflection off Belgium's Hans Vanaken.

But de Ketelaere restored Beglium's lead within two minutes. An error from US keeper Matt Freese saw Vanaken make it 3-1 and Romelu Lukaku fired home a fourth in injury-time.

It means the US are the last of the co-hosts to exit the competition, although defender Richards and his teammates can be proud of their efforts on home soil.

Earlier on Monday, Yéremy Pino's Spain advanced into the quarter-finals after a last-minute goal saw them knockout neighbours Portugal in Dallas.

Pino was named on the substitutes bench and remained there for the 90 minutes as a tight, cagey contest played out.

But with one substitute still left for Spain to use as extra-time loomed, Arsenal's Mikel Merino slotted a low effort past goalkeeper Diogo Costa in the 91st minute.

That was enough for La Roja, who are in the last eight for the first time since 2010 when they won the tournament. Pino and his teammates will now face Belgium in the quarter-finals.

Canada's excellent run at the tournament was ended by 2022 semi-finalists Morocco in the first tie of the last 16.

Morocco scored three times in second-half, including an Azzedine Ounahi double, with defender Chadi Riad an unused substitute on this occasion.

Palace 'keeper Owen Goodman was again watching on from the bench for the co-hosts, as Canada were eliminated, but will can his experiences from the tournament into next season. The 22-year old's next aim will be to win a first senior cap for the Canadians.

Riad will be hoping to return to the Morocco starting XI when they face France in the quarter-finals.

The French saw off Paraguay in a tense Round of 16 tie, played amidst soaring temperatures in Philadelphia.

Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta and Maxence Lacroix were both unused substitutes on this occasion, as France struggled to break down the South Americans.

But eventually after a VAR review, France were awarded a penalty with 70 minutes on the clock. Kylian Mbappe kept his cool to convert the spot-kick, which proved to be the only goal.

That means Palace will have representation on both sides of the first quarter-final, on Thursday (9th July, 21:00 BST).

Norway pulled off one of the best results of the finals so far on Sunday evening, with a 2-1 victory over five-time champions Brazil.

Jørgen Strand Larsen was an unused substitute as his fellow forward Erling Haaland was the hero. Brazil missed a first-half penalty and a host of good chances after the break before they were made to pay in the 79th minute.

Haaland headed home from close-range to open the scoring, then got a second with a superb low drive from outside the box in the 90th minute, Strand Larsen joining him in the celebrations.

Despite a further late Brazil penalty, this time converted, Norway held on for a dramatic win. This means Strand Larsen and his teammates have reached the last eight for the first time in their history.

Norway will face England in the quarter-finals after the Three Lions emerged victorious from an incredible Round of 16 tie against Mexico.

A game delayed by an hour because of severe storms was settled by a double from Jude Bellingham before the break and a second-half Harry Kane penalty.

Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez, via the penalty spot, ensured Mexico remained in the tie, while England saw Jarell Quansah sent off early in the second-half and had to survive 11 minutes of injury-time.

Palace skipper Dean Henderson was witnessing the drama unfold from the bench, with England's substitutes often having to act as primary supporters for the on-field players, Mexican support naturally dominating the huge stands at the Azteca Stadium.

Ultimately it was the Three Lions who prevailed. Henderson and his teammates will now head to Miami for a huge last eight tie against Norway, as they look to match the Three Lions' run to the semi-finals in 2018.

Round of 32 Review

At the end of the Round of 32, Palace still had 10 players involved in the tournament with their nations having reached the last 16.

It started on Sunday (28th) evening, when Owen Goodman and co-hosts Canada reached the last 16 of the competition with a last-gasp 1-0 win over South Africa.

The Palace Academy goalkeeper, yet to feature thus far in the tournament, was on the bench for the match in Los Angeles, which was won in the 92nd minute by a well-taken strike by Stephen Eustaquio.

On Monday, Daichi Kamada and Japan were cruelly denied a place in the last 16 after falling to a last minute goal from Brazil in Houston.

Japan started the better side and led when Kaishu Sano pounced on Danilo's loose pass to drive past Casemiro and drill the ball into the bottom corner.

In a hard-fought midfield battle, Kamada picked up a yellow card for a foul on Bruno Guimaraes before the break. Yet Japan retained control, until Casemiro levelled for Brazil in the second-half with a smart header.

Kamada was then substituted with 12 minutes of normal time remaining, just as the tie looked certain to be heading for extra-time. But it was not to be.

Guimaraes slipped a clever pass to Gabriel Martinelli in the fifth minute of injury-time, who duly won the game.

Japan's wait for a knockout stage win at the World Cup goes on, but Kamada and his teammates will be proud of their efforts over the last few weeks.

Chadi Riad's World Cup journey will continue after Morocco edged out the Netherlands on penalties following a mammoth Round of 32 tie in Monterrey.

Riad was once again in the starting XI for the fourth game in-a-row. He endured a physical battle against the Dutch and their forward Brian Brobbey, being forced to change his shirt on multiple occasions after suffering rips while challenging for the ball.

Morocco dominated much of the game but were frustrated by excellent goalkeeping from Bart Verbruggen. They looked to have been punished when Cody Gakpo scored following a swift counter-attack in the 72nd minute.

Riad was substituted soon after, as the physical battle looked to be taking a toll, and at that point his World Cup appeared to be coming to an end. But his teammates had other ideas. In the dying stages, Issa Diop headed home to force extra-time.

Ultimately the tie would be settled on penalties. The Dutch missed three three spot-kicks before Ismael Saibari converted to seal Morocco's progress.

Riad and the Atlas Lions now face Canada in the last 16, in Houston on 4 July.

On Tuesday, there was a clash between two Eagles in the Round of 32, as Norway met Ivory Coast.

Both Jørgen Strand Larsen and Evann Guessand were on the bench this time around as a tense, yet absorbing, game played out in front of them in Dallas.

It is Norway who went through after a late Erling Haaland winner four minutes from the end. Antonio Nusa and Amad Diallo had earlier traded brilliant strikes, but Haaland's goal sealed a 2-1 win for Strand Larsen's side.

He remained on the bench, while Guessand was brought on in injury time for what proved his last appearance of the Finals. Ivory Coast are eliminated, but Norway will face Brazil in the last 16.

The World Cup dream continues for Maxence Lacroix and Jean-Philippe Mateta as France eased past Sweden in New Jersey.

Former Palace man Michael Olise and Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe were at their sparkling best for Les Bleus, Mbappe scoring twice in a 3-0 win.

Bradley Barcola ran onto a wonderful Olise pass to get the other goal as the 2018 winners booked their spot in the last 16.

Once the game was sewn up, Mbappe was rested for the closing stages, withdraw in the 85th minute with Mateta his replacement. The Palace forward now has six senior caps, with two appearances at this World Cup.

Paraguay, who defeated Germany on penalties on Monday, will be Mateta and Lacroix's next opponents in the knockout stage.

Ismaïla Sarr's World Cup – and by extension his remarkable 25/26 season – finally came to an end as Senegal lost a five-goal thriller against Belgium.

Sarr and his teammates looked to be on course for the last 16 when Habib Diarra put them in front, turning in after Sarr's head came back off the woodwork.

Sarr had already hit the post from close-range as the Lions of Teranga dominated the first-half.

Then in the 51st minute, the Palace forward took a long ball down on his chest and fired past Thibaut Courtois. His fourth goal of the finals and arguably his best so far.

But it would not prove enough. Belgium started to mount a comeback when Romelu Lukaku flicked in Thomas Meunier's cross.

Then, in the 89th minute, Leandro Trossard's cross into the box was missed by goalkeeper Mory Diaw and Youri Tielemans sent the game to extra-time.

Belgium then snatched a controversial winner in the 125th minute after a lengthy VAR review which lasted seven minutes. When it was over, the official ruled that Tielemans had been fouled by Lamine Camara and the Aston Villa man stepped up to smash home a penalty.

It proved enough for the win, Senegal eliminated in heart-breaking fashion. Despite exiting this stage Sarr can be proud of his tournament ending the finals with four goals and one assist.

He now leads the way for goals from active Palace players at the World Cup.

Dean Henderson watched on from the bench as England narrowly progressed against DR Congo following a tight game in Atlanta.

The Three Lions fell behind early and for a long time it looked like they would fall to one of the most shocking defeats in their history. Brian Cipenga fired in at Jordan Pickford's near post to give Congo the lead.

But Harry Kane saved the day for Thomas Tuchel's side. He levelled with a header, before firing home a brilliant second goal to keep England's World Cup dream alive.

Henderson and his teammates then took part in what is becoming the traditional wonderwall singalong following their latest triumph. They can now look forward to a last-16 tie against Mexico next Monday.

Co-hosts USA are safely through to the last 16 after a 2-0 win over Bosnia, with Chris Richards once again completing the 90 minutes.

Richards and his fellow defenders were rarely troubled in the first-half, with the US taking the lead when Folarin Balogun reacted quickest to steer Malik Tillman's deflected pass into the Bosnia net.

The USMNT did have to overcome a hurdle just after the hour mark when Balogun was sent off following a mistimed challenge.

But the defensive unit stayed firm, with Richards particularly dominant in the air. A second goal then followed when Tillman's clever free-kick found the net.

Richards will now face Senegal's conquerors Belgium in the Round of 16.

Still working his way back to full fitness following his injury in Spain's final group game, Yéremy Pino watched on from the bench as Spain booked their place in the last 16 on Thursday.

A double from Mikel Oyarzabal either side of a Pedro Porro strike ensured a comfortable 3-0 win over Austria for La Roja in Los Angeles – their first knockout win since the 2010 tournament.

Pino will be hoping to return for their next challenge against Iberian neighbours Portugal on Monday.

In the final Round of 32 tie, Daniel Muñoz and Jefferson Lerma were in from the start as Colombia faced Ghana in sweltering conditions in Kansas City.

The South Americans would dominate the game, with the Palace duo once again impressing for Los Cafeteros.

But they were limited to just one goal. In the 14th minute, Muñoz drove forward and picked out Luis Suarez. He in turn burst down the right and crossed for Jhon Arias to convert.

Colombia came close to a second just before half-time when a perfect Muñoz cross found Johan Mojica at the back post, only for Ghana's goalkeeper to pull off a stunning save.

In the end it didn't matter. One goal proving enough to see Colombia into the last 16 where they will now face Switzerland.

When are our players in action in the knockout rounds?

With all 13 Crystal Palace players advancing to the knockout rounds, we'll be continuing regular updates on cpfc.co.uk of how they're getting on in North America.

Here are the details of the knockout games, with all times BST...

Quarter-finals

Thursday, 9th July: France 2-0 Morocco (Boston, French duo Jean-Philippe Mateta and Maxence Lacroix can now prepare for a semi-final, with Chadi Riad's Morocco eliminated. Mateta was introduced as a late substitute, while Lacroix and Riad were unused substitutes)
Friday, 10th July: Spain 2-1 Belgium (Los Angeles, Yéremy Pino was an unused substitute as Spain edged Belgium and set up a semi-final with France)
Saturday, 11th July: England v Norway (Miami, Dean Henderson)

Round of 16

Saturday, 4th July: Canada 0-3 Morocco (Houston, both Owen Goodman and Chadi Riad were unused substitutes as Morocco eased past the co-hosts)
Saturday, 4th July: France 1-0 Paraguay (Philadelphia, French duo Jean-Philippe Mateta and Maxence Lacroix both remained on the bench as France edged past the South Americans thanks to a late penalty)
Sunday, 5th July: Brazil 1-2 Norway (New York/New Jersey, Jørgen Strand Larsen was an unused substitute as Norway stunned the five-time World Cup winners thanks to two late goals)
Monday, 6th July: Mexico 2-3 England (Mexico City, Dean Henderson watched from the bench as England edged a classic tie in the Azteca Stadium)
Monday, 6th July: Portugal 0-1 Spain (Dallas, Yéremy Pino was an unused substitute as Spain recorded a late winner against their rivals)
Tuesday, 7th July: USA 1-4 Belgium (Seattle, Chris Richards saw his World Cup come to an end as USA were well beaten by Belgium)
Tuesday, 7th July: Switzerland 0-0 (4-3 on penalties) Colombia (Vancouver, Daniel Muñoz and Jefferson Lerma were eliminated at the last 16 stage, after an uneventful 90 minutes led to extra-time and eventually a penalty shootout. Both players started the game, Lerma substituted in the 82nd minute, while Muñoz completed the 120 minutes)

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Round of 32

Sunday, 28th June: South Africa 0-1 Canada (Los Angeles, Owen Goodman was an unused substitute in a famous victory for his country)
Monday, 29th June: Brazil 2-1 Japan (Houston, Daichi Kamada's excellent tournament came to a cruel end as Brazil progressed with a 95th minute winner. Kamada had been withdrawn in the 78th minute after earlier picking up a booking)
Tuesday, 30th June: Netherlands 1-1 Morocco, Morocco win 3-2 on pens (Guadalupe, Chadi Riad's World Cup dream was kept alive after a thrilling win on penalties for Morocco. Riad had been withdrawn in the 75th minute)
Tuesday, 30th June: Ivory Coast 1-2 Norway (Arlington, Jørgen Strand Larsen's tournament continues following a late win. He was an unused substitute, while Evann Guessand was substituted on during second-half injury time)
Tuesday, 30th June: France 3-0 Sweden (New York, Jean-Philippe Mateta replaced captain Kylian Mbappe in the 85th minute, with Mbappe having already scored twice. Maxence Lacroix remained on the bench as France eased to a comfortable win)
Wednesday, 1st July: England 2-1 DR Congo (Atlanta, Dean Henderson was an unused substitute as England turned a one-goal deficit into a 2-1 win)
Wednesday, 1st July: Belgium 3-2 Senegal (AET) (Seattle, Ismaïla Sarr scored a wonderful goal to put Senegal 2-0 up, only for Belgium to progress in extra-time following a dramatic comeback)
Thursday, 2nd July: United States 2-0 Bosnia & Herzegovina (San Francisco, Chris Richards completed the full game as the co-hosts reached the last 16 on home soil despite going down to ten men)
Thursday, 2nd July: Spain 3-0 Austria (Los Angeles, Yéremy Pino was unused as he recovers from injury but watched on as his teammates cruised into the Round of 16)
Friday, 3rd July: Colombia 1-0 Ghana (Kansas City, Colombia progressed thanks to an early goal against the African side with the Palace duo of Daniel Muñoz and Jefferson Lerma both completing the 90 minutes.

How did our players perform in the group phase?

Group K

Daniel Muñoz was rested for Colombia's final group-stage match, playing only the last few minutes, but Jefferson Lerma started and played an hour of a 0-0 draw with Portugal on Sunday (28th) morning which saw Los Cafeteros top Group K in Miami.

A largely uneventful match saw Colombia think they had won it in stoppage time, only for Davinson Sanchez's far-post effort to be controversially ruled out for offside.

It was otherwise a scrappy affair between the two group favourites – but Colombia took top spot and will now face Ghana in Kansas City.

Their qualification has already been sealed in the previous matchround: for the second game in-a-row, Palace's Muñoz was able to find the breakthrough as Colombia booked their place in the knockout stage with a 1-0 win over DR Congo.

Once again, Muñoz and Lerma started for Los Cafeteros in their second game, at the Estadio Guadalajara in Mexico, and both made a big impact.

Muñoz should have netted in the fourth minute, but could only find the side netting after Jhon Arias' shot had been parried into his path.

He then had the ball in the net just two minutes later, after his initial header was saved. However, it was correctly ruled out with Muñoz fractionally offside.

Colombia continued to dominate in the second-half, but as the game approached the final 15 minutes it looked like Congo might frustrate them.

But it was case of third time lucky for the Palace man. Receiving a clever pass from Juan Fernando Quintero, Muñoz's left-footed shot took a minor deflection to find the net.

In doing so he became the second active Palace player to score in multiple World Cup games at the same finals.

That was enough for the Colombians. Both Palace men completed the full 90 minutes with their team on course to finish top of Group K. They will do so as long as they avoid defeat to Portugal in their final game.

Colombia had already thrashed Uzbekistan 3-1 in their opening group game.

With the game level five minutes before the break, former Liverpool man Luis Diaz played a wonderful pass behind the Uzbekistan defence. Muñoz had timed his run to perfection and connected with a superb volley at full stretch to open the scoring.

A simply stunning strike, and on his World Cup debut no less.

Uzbekistan did later equalise in the 60th minute through Abbosbek Fayzullaev's close-range header. But Colombia quickly responded through Diaz.

Substitute Jaminton Campaz headed in a third goal late on as both Lerma and Muñoz completed the full 90 minutes.

Group H

It was confirmed by the player himself on Saturday (27th) evening that Yéremy Pino had sustained an injury in Spain's final group-stage game.

The Palace playmaker wrote on Instagram: "Medical tests confirm that I will miss the upcoming matches, but I am already focusing on my recovery.

"I hope the team goes as far as possible; as always, I will continue to contribute and help out wherever I am needed."

Already through to the next round, Pino had suffered the injury as a second-half substitute in his country's victory over Uruguay.

Pino replaced Alex Baena in the 66th minute, with Baena having earlier scored to put the 2010 winners in front.

Spain continued to control the game, with Pino looking lively, although they were unable to add a second goal despite hitting the woodwork through Ferran Torres.

Uruguay suffered a late red card as La Roja comfortably held on to finish Group H in top spot with seven points.

Pino had made his World Cup Finals debut as a second-half substitute in their 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia on matchday two.

The Palace No. 10 entered the fray at half-time as a replacement for Lamine Yamal, with La Roja already three goals to the good in Atlanta, and helped force an own-goal from Hassan Altambakti four minutes later.

Pino was on the bench for their opening game, a 0-0 draw with Cape Verde.

Group I

Ismaïla Sarr made history again as Senegal got their first win of the World Cup against Iraq.

The Lions of Teranga recorded the biggest win for an African nation at the finals with a 5-0 victory.

Already a goal up early in the second-half, Sarr got his third goal of the tournament with a close-range finish after Lamine Camara’s cutback. Sarr then got an assist, teeing up a fine finish from Papa Gueye.

Sarr is now Senegal’s leading goalscorer in World Cup history, with four in total, as well as becoming the first player from his country to score and assist in the same match at the Finals.

Senegal will now hope to progress to the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams when all groups have concluded.

Earlier, Sarr had already become the first Palace player ever to score a brace in a FIFA World Cup Finals match as he netted twice in Senegal's 3-2 defeat to Norway at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Monday (22nd) evening.

A trio of Palace players got their first minutes of the World Cup, as already qualified France and Norway met in Boston.

Maxence Lacroix was in defence for the French, while Jørgen Strand Larsen started in attack for Norway to set up a South London duel.

But it was France who won out to top the group, Ousmane Dembele scoring a stunning 32 minute hat-trick.

A fine finish from Thelo Aasgaard got Norway on the scoresheet and Strand Larsen had the chance to narrow the deficit in the second-half.

He was given the penalty after Oscar Bobb was fouled, but saw his effort saved. France then brought on Jean-Philippe Mateta for his World Cup debut in the closing minutes, meaning three Eagles were on the pitch simultaneously.

France added a final goal through Desire Doue to seal a fine win.

Group F

After becoming the first Palace player to score a a non-penalty goal at the World Cup Finals, before then making it two goals from two games against Tunisia, Daichi Kamada wrapped up an impressive group stage campaign for Japan by completing the full 90 minutes as they drew 1-1 with Sweden.

Producing another excellent performance to help his side control the battle for possession, Kamada's teammate Daizen Maeda slid home a well-worked team goal to given them the lead early in the second-half.

But any hopes of finishing top of Group F were ended by Anthony Elanga who equalised for Sweden just after the hour. Kamada's side finished behind the Netherlands in second place and now have a Round of 32 tie against Brazil to look forward to.

Earlier, in the second game against Tunisia, the Palace man rounded off a sweeping team move for the opener in Monterrey just four minutes in, Japan eventually winning 4-0.

Kamada had already scored in a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands when he diverted a flying header from Koki Ogaw into the net to salvage a point with two minutes to play.

Group D

After impressing for USA in their first two games of the group stage Chris Richards was given a rest for their final match against Türkiye.

With the USA already confirmed as Group winners, Mauricio Pochettino opted to rest players, with just three of his starting XI having started a World Cup game previously. This meant the Palace centre-back reverted to the bench.

Richards watched on as a five-goal thriller played out in LA. US defender Auston Trusty opened scoring inside three minutes, but Türkiye turned the game on it's head with two first-half goals.

Sebastian Berhalter, son of former Palace defender and USA international Gregg Berhalter, then levelled just after half-time. But Türkiye, already eliminated from the tournament, snatched the win in the dying moments through Kaan Ayhan.

Although Richards and his teammates lost their unbeaten record, they still finish top of Group D. They can now prepare to face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the last 32 of the competition in Santa Clara.

Group D

Chadi Riad completed an impressive group stage as he helped Morocco to qualify for the knockout stage with a 4-2 win over Haiti in Atlanta.

Despite falling behind twice, Morocco twice drew level before Riad helped make the difference in the 78th minute.

The Palace man got his head to a dangerous corner which Soufiane Rahimi controlled, before firing into the back of the net, giving Riad his first assist for the senior national team.

That put Morocco in front and Gessime Yassine added another late on to secure progress to the Round of 32, where they will face the Netherlands in Guadalupe.

Morocco had already taken four points from their opening two games after a narrow win over Scotland on matchday two.

Ismael Saibari smashed home the only goal in the second minute from a tight angle. But with Scotland piling on the pressure in the second-half, Riad and his defensive colleagues held firm to secure a vital victory.

Riad had already excelled in a 1-1 draw against Brazil in the opening round of games.

The 22-year-old completed 35 of his 40 passes, made three clearances and two recoveries, and won both of his ground duels against the Selecao side.

Group L

England got off to a winning start as they saw off Croatia 4-2 in a thriller in Dallas on Wednesday (17th), with Harry Kane (two), Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford getting the goals.

Palace skipper Dean Henderson remained an unused substitute as his team produced an excellent display.

The Three Lions were then held to a 0-0 draw by Ghana in their second game in Boston, despite creating the better chances. Henderson watched on from the bench for the second successive game.

Despite the draw, they remained top of Group L – and sealed it with a 2-0 win over Panama in New York on Saturday (27th) evening, courtesy of goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, setting up a Round of 32 tie against DR Congo.

Group E

Evann Guessand's World Cup will continue after Ivory Coast secured a place in the knockout stage for the first time in their history.

After making his first appearance at the World Cup Finals on Saturday (20th), as his team were edged out by Germany in Toronto, Guessand was on the bench for their decisive game against debutants Curacao.

This time he remained an unused substitute, with former Arsenal man Nicolas Pepe taking a starring role, scoring twice for the African nation either side of half-time.

That means Ivory Coast finished second in the group. A meeting with the runner-up from Group I awaits them in the last 32.

In the earlier game against Germany, Guessand watched on from the bench in the first-half as his teammates put in a superb performance, taking the lead through captain Franck Kessie in the 30th minute.

But Die Mannschaft would hit back after the break with substitute Deniz Undav levelling. Guessand was then introduced in the 75th minute and, playing in a central role, the forward was involved as the Ivory Coast did create a number of good opportunities.

But they were unable to take them and suffered heartbreak in injury time with Undav produced a smart finish to win the game.

Group B

Owen Goodman's Canada qualified for the knockout stage at a World Cup for the first time after they finished second in Group B.

This was despite the Canadians suffering a first defeat of the Finals, going down to 2-1 to Switzerland in their final group game.

Goodman was on the bench for a third game in-a-row, and saw his country trail 2-0 thanks to goals from Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi. Fellow substitute Promise David halved the deficit with a stunning finish, but Canada couldn't find an equaliser.

A excellent 6-0 win over Qatar on matchday two, meant they finished above Bosnia (also finishing with four points) to claim second spot. That means next up for Canada and Goodman is a Round of 32 tie against South Africa in LA on Sunday (20:00 BST).

Group Stage summary

Owen Goodman – Canada, Group B

Friday, 12th June: Canada 1-1 Bosnia (Toronto, Goodman was an unused substitute as Canada took a point)

Thursday, 18th June: Canada 6-0 Qatar (Vancouver, Goodman remained on the bench as his country secured a first ever win at the World Cup Finals with a dominant showing)

Wednesday, 24th June: Switzerland 2-1 Canada (Vancouver, Goodman was again on the bench as his team were beaten for the first time at the finals, but still advanced to the last 32)

Chadi Riad – Morocco, Group C

Saturday, 13th June: Brazil 1-1 Morocco (New York/New Jersey, Riad played the full 90 minutes and delivered an impressive display)

Friday, 19th June: Scotland 0-1 Morocco (Boston, Riad once again impressed as Morocco secured a first win)

Wednesday, 24th June: Morocco 4-2 Haiti (Atlanta, Riad assisted Morocco's crucial third goal and completed the 90 minutes as his team qualified for the knockout stages)

Chris Richards – USA, Group D

Saturday, 13th June: USA 4-1 Paraguay (Los Angeles, Richards played the full 90 minutes as the co-hosts stormed to a comfortable win)

Friday, 19th June: USA 2-0 Australia (Seattle, Richards gave another impressive display as the USA kept a clean sheet and put themselves clear at the top of the group)

Friday, 26th June: Türkiye 3-2 USA (Los Angeles, Richards was an unused substitute for the first time, but by avoiding a yellow card he will be available for their Round of 32 tie)

Evann Guessand – Ivory Coast, Group E

Monday, 15th June: Ivory Coast 1-0 Ecuador (Philadelphia, Guessand was an unused substitute)

Saturday, 20th June: Germany 2-1 Ivory Coast (Toronto, Guessand appeared from the bench in the 75th minute, but Germany scored a late winner)

Thursday, 25th June: Curaçao 0-2 Ivory Coast (Philadelphia, Guessand remained on the bench as Ivory Coast secured a vital win to finish second in Group E)

Daichi Kamada – Japan, Group F

Sunday, 14th June: Netherlands 2-2 Japan (Dallas, Kamada became the first active Palace player to score a non-penalty goal in a World Cup Finals with a clever late equaliser)

Sunday, 21st June: Tunisia 0-4 Japan (Monterrey, Kamada scored his second goal of the Finals just four minutes in after a clever pull back. He was later substituted in the 73rd minute)

Friday, 26th June: Japan 1-1 Sweden (Dallas, Kamada completed the full 90 minutes as Japan secured a place in the knockout stage)

Yéremy Pino – Spain, Group H

Monday, 15th June: Spain 0-0 Cape Verde (Atlanta, Pino remained an unused substitute as Spain were held to a surprise goalless draw)

Sunday, 21st June: Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia (Atlanta, Pino made his World Cup Finals debut at half-time and helped add another goal for Spain to secure qualification)

Saturday, 27th June: Uruguay 0-1 Spain (Guadalajara, Pino played the second-half of a victory which helped, but reportedly suffered a serious injury which the player himself later confirmed is likely to rule him out of the remainder of the competition)

Jørgen Strand Larsen – Norway, Group I

Tuesday, 16th June: Iraq 1-4 Norway (Boston, Strand Larsen remained on the bench as he team eased to a comfortable win)

Tuesday, 22rd June: Norway 3-2 Senegal (New York/New Jersey, Strand Larsen remained on the bench)

Friday, 26th June: Norway 1-4 France (Boston, Strand Larsen started and had a second-half penalty saved)

Maxence Lacroix, Jean-Philippe Mateta – France, Group I

Tuesday, 16th June: France 3-1 Senegal (New York/New Jersey, both were unused substitutes as their side secured an impressive win)

Monday, 22nd June: France 3-0 Iraq (Philadelphia, the two Eagles still await their World Cup Finals debuts)

Friday, 26th June: Norway 1-4 France (Boston, Lacroix completed the 90 minutes as France eased to a third win of the group stage, while Mateta was brought on from the bench late on, marking a World Cup debut for both)

Ismaïla Sarr – Senegal, Group I

Tuesday, 16th June: France 3-1 Senegal (New York/New Jersey, Sarr played 75 minutes as Senegal impressed in the first-half, but ultimately fell to defeat)

Tuesday, 23rd June: Norway 3-2 Senegal (New York/New Jersey, Sarr became the first Palace player to score a World Cup Finals brace to keep his side in contention to qualify)

Friday, 26th June: Senegal 5-0 Iraq (Toronto, Sarr became the first ever Senegalese player to score and assist in the same game as Senegal fought back to make it through to the Round of 32)

Jefferson Lerma, Daniel Muñoz – Colombia, Group K

Thursday, 18th June: Uzbekistan 1-3 Colombia (Mexico City, Muñoz scored the opening goal on his World Cup Finals debut with an excellent volley, as both Eagles completed 90 minutes)

Wednesday, 24th June: Colombia 1-0 DR Congo (Guadalajara, Muñoz was the match-winner with an excellent finish in the 76th minute. Both he and Lerma completed the 90 minutes again, with Lerma picking up a yellow card)

Sunday, 28th June: Colombia 0-0 Portugal (Miami, Colombia sealed top spot with Lerma playing the first hour and Muñoz playing the final few minutes of the game)

Dean Henderson – England, Group L

Wednesday, 17th June: England 4-2 Croatia (Dallas, Henderson was an unused substitute in the Three Lions' opening victory)

Tuesday, 23rd June: England 0-0 Ghana (Boston, Henderson remained on the bench as England were held to a draw)

Saturday, 27th June: Panama 0-2 England (New York/New Jersey, Henderson was on the bench as England secured top spot in Group L)

What is the format?

For the first time in history, the World Cup is being contested by 48 teams. The expansion is helped by a record 16 venues, with USA, Mexico and Canada sharing co-host duties.

11 cities from USA will host matches, three from Mexico and two from Canada.

The 48 teams are divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams in each group, plus the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to a new round of 32.

From that point on it is straight knockout.

From the quarter-final stage onwards the US hosts every game, with the Final taking place in New Jersey/New York Stadium, normally known as MetLife Stadium, on Sunday, 19th July.

Which Groups featured Palace players?

Nine of the twelve groups contain nations that have Palace players in their squads.

Groups B, C, D, E, F, H, I, K, and finally L, were all ones to watch.

Below, ahead of the tournament, we previewed each nation's chances...

Group B

Co-hosts Canada are in Group B who have included Palace ‘keeper Owen Goodman in their final squad.

Goodman is yet to play at senior level for his country, who face Bosnia, Qatar and Switzerland.

With third place potentially progressing, the co-hosts will be looking to reach the knockout round for the first time.

Group C

Chadi Riad and Morocco can be found in an intriguing looking Group C, alongside Brazil, Scotland and Haiti.

The reigning AFCON champions have a tough looking first fixture against the five-time winners.

But after reaching the semi-finals in Qatar four years ago, Morocco will be looking for another deep run.

Group D

Chris Richards will have the chance to play for his country on home soil at a World Cup, with USA drawn in Group D at the Finals.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side will be aiming to match their run to the last eight in 2002 with the home advantage and will start off by meeting Paraguay in their first game in New Jersey.

They then face Australia and Türkiye to round out the group stage.

Group E

Here is where we find Ivory Coast and Palace’s on-loan forward Evann Guessand.

Guessand’s team open up against Ecuador, before then facing four-time winners Germany.

They close out against tournament debutants Curacao in Philadelphia.

Group F

Japan have included Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada in their squad who is coming into the Finals one cap short of reaching 50.

The four-time Asian Cup winners are looking to reach the quarter-finals for the first time – having been knocked out in the Round of 16 on four previous occasions.

They will face Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia in Group F.

Group H

Yéremy Pino will take part in his first World Cup Finals, as part of Spain’s 26-man squad.

The 2010 winners and current European Champions haven’t got past the last 16 in the last two tournaments but will be looking to go further in North America.

Spain are alongside tournament debutants Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, with their final game against the South American side.

Group I

Group I has the most Palace representation, with four of our first team all involved. 2022 finalists France will be able to call upon both Maxence Lacroix and Jean-Philippe Mateta as they go in search of a third star.

In their first game they face Senegal, who will be fired by Palace’s top goalscorer from 2025/26, Ismaïla Sarr.

Then we have Norway and Jørgen Strand Larsen as the third team in Group I. Norway face Senegal on matchday two and France on matchday three. Former Asian Cup winners Iraq make up the group, for their first World Cup finals appearance since 1986.

Group K

Palace duo Daniel Muñoz and Jefferson Lerma are in Group K, hoping to push Colombia to the knockout stage.

They open up with a game against newcomers Uzbekistan. Then it’s a meeting with DR Congo and finally Portugal in Miami on the final day of the group stages.

Group L

The final group of the first round includes Euro 2024 finalists England. And, as he was in Germany at the Euros two years ago, Dean Henderson is included the Three Lions squad.

It will be the first time the Palace skipper has experienced a World Cup Finals. England open up against Croatia in a rematch of the 2018 semi-final.

Thomas Tuchel’s side then face Ghana in Boston, before rounding things off against Panama.

Familiar faces

There are plenty of other Palace connections to look out for in North America throughout the next five weeks.

Australia will be one team to follow, led by two former Palace heroes on the touchline. Former defender Tony Popovic is the Socceroos Manager, with ex-Eagles' captain Mile Jedinak one of his trusted coaches.

Jedinak memorably became the first active Palace player to score in a World Cup Finals back in 2014, when scoring for Australia in a thrilling 3-2 defeat to the Netherlands.

On the playing side, several former Eagles will be looking to go far in the tournament. They include Michael Olise, who has become an key man for a heavily stacked France squad in recent times. The French go into the tournament as one of the favourites to go all the way.

Former Palace skipper Marc Guéhi is likely to be England’s first-choice centre-back. It will be Guéhi’s second major tournament after playing a key role in the Three Lions run to the final at the last European Championships in 2024.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is set to be an important player for DR Congo in Group K, with the The Leopards making their first appearance since the 1974 Finals.

Palace’s former striker Jordan Ayew returns for his third World Cup Finals with Ghana and will be reunited with former club teammate Dean Henderson during the group stage, when the Black Stars face England.

One more cap for Ayew will see him become Ghana’s most capped player of all-time, as he currently stands level with his brother Jordan.

Meanwhile for UK viewers, former Palace hero Ian Wright will be a key part of ITV’s punditry team throughout the five weeks.

Wright will also be joined by former World Cup winner and Palace Manager from 2021 to 2023, Patrick Vieira.

Former Jamaica international and ex-Eagle Jobi McAnuff will also on punditry duties for the broadcaster.

How can I watch in the UK?

Every single match will be broadcast on either BBC or ITV, as well as their respective streaming platforms. The World Cup Final is broadcast by both.

A full breakdown of the schedule is here.

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